The SBID UK Interior Design Icons were selected to recognise leading design practices throughout the UK who have consistently displayed exceptional standards within our esteemed industry network.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Muza Lab. The studio believe in creating authentic connections to the places they design for. The process for all of their projects hinges on understanding their environment, both geographically and culturally, and reflecting this in their designs.
Every project embodies our approach to design. Our recent project, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, captures so much of what defines us. The site itself told the story. Shells scattered along the beach, the warm terracotta tones of the landscape, and the ever-present view of the Rif Mountains. We used those cues to shape a palette, to guide our use of material and craft, and to root the project in its surroundings. We worked closely with Moroccan artisans to reinterpret traditional techniques - carved plaster, hand-chiselled wood, intricate mosaics - each infused with the patterns and tones of the region.
We are seeing a move away from uniformity and polish toward spaces that feel human and connected. There is a desire for warmth, for meaning, for stories that unfold slowly. People want to stay in places that make them feel something, that speak to the culture and history of where they are. We see craft, heritage, and material honesty shaping what comes next.
Sustainability is not a separate idea. It is a way of thinking that is at the core of Muza Lab. We work with local makers, use materials that are responsibly sourced, and design for longevity. We work with artisans and brilliant suppliers that always champion craftsmanship over mass production, which is of course necessary for the kind of pieces our projects call for. It’s also just the simple factors of designing around your environment and in designing spaces that last well beyond a trend.
Technology should support a space, not overwhelm it. When used with care, it helps create comfort and efficiency, but it should never interrupt the human experience. We use innovation to refine our designs, to elevate craft, or to bring new potential to traditional techniques. But the heart of the project must always be emotional and grounded.
Stay open. Stay curious. Keep asking questions and don’t be afraid to explore paths that are unfamiliar. Spend time understanding the stories behind materials and traditions. Design is not about impressing people. It is about making them feel something. And that begins with learning how to listen.
We believe in nurturing talent. Our studio is built on the idea of learning something new every day. We support young designers by aiming to inspire, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where ideas are welcomed and explored. We talk at universities and colleges all over the world to share this perspective and beliefs around the power of design, and how to achieve them.
We work with an incredible network of artisans, suppliers, and makers from around the world. Many of them we return to again and again, not just because of their skill but because of the trust and understanding we have built together. Fabric suppliers like Pierre Frey and Dedar, wallpaper from the likes of Elitis and degournay, or bespoke work with teams of local artisans - these partnerships allow us to create custom pieces that are completely unique to each project. It is that level of connection that brings authenticity to the work.
About Muza Lab
We believe in creating authentic connections to the places we design for. The process for all of our projects hinges on understanding their environment, both geographically and culturally, and reflecting this in their designs. We use textures, patterns and colours to bridge the past and present through contemporary design, in a way that evokes memory, history and the soul of a destination. It is within the minute stitches, handwoven fabrics, and bespoke touches that a story unfolds, connecting guests with the cultural heartbeat of a locale. By working closely with artisans, we celebrate not only their skill but the stories behind each form. Our spaces are where people go to share special moments with those most precious to them. Our aim is simple: to make these moments rich with feelings that can’t be shaken; to create settings for stories that are held close to the heart, and told again and again.
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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Pippa Paton Design.
Pippa Paton Design led the restoration of a Grade-II listed Cotswold estate, re-instating and accentuating historical features, whilst transforming it into a stylish, practical family home in a pale neutral palette against a backdrop of stone windows, timber flooring and reclaimed Cotswold flags. A derelict granary, now a stunning bar, features an illuminated curved brass bar accentuating the stone chimney behind, stables provide enticing guest accommodation and a stone barn doubles as cinema and large-scale dining room. This is a now beautiful example of a Cotswold village estate, re-envisioned for 21st century family living whilst respecting it’s heritage.
Category: Ultra-Luxury Residential Property
Design Practice: Pippa Paton Design
Project Title: Cotswold Estate
Project Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
To renovate a Grade II listed manor to create a family home, making it more liveable in terms of layout and functionality and bringing it into the 21st century. We were asked to incorporate a derelict granary to use as utility room on the lower level and a bar above, make another estate barn into a party dining space and provide a variety of guest accommodation.
The overall concept was to reinstate architectural and design features in the house befitting a 19th century manor, the majority of which had been removed over time.
To identify the limited amount of remaining internal architectural details and from that developing a suite of panelling, skirting, architraves etc which reflected the history of the house.
We then selected a contractor and various artisans with experience and expertise in renovating listed buildings, which was critical to restore architectural details such as badly-treated timbers, staircases etc. and to produce the architectural detailing which we had designed.
Seeing the beautiful craftmanship such as the finishes and detailing in the joinery which we had designed come to life, particularly in the bar, the kitchen and the master ensuite.
We also loved designing future heirloom pieces for the client such as a bespoke card games table, a pair of bespoke console tables in the drawing room and a large, curved mirror designed for the hallway.
Another highlight was the client’s feedback that they absolutely love the spaces that have been created - from the serene drawing room, the dark, moody snug for after dinner drinks, the bar seating twenty-two guests in the granary and the entertainment space in another barn for large dinner parties.
To get recognition for the project and for what we do as a studio.
The client appreciates the recognition, and we always meet interesting future suppliers and collaborators at the awards evening itself.
Questions answered by Pippa Paton, Founder of Pippa Paton Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a contemporary residential design by Amy Stoddart Studio, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Elicyon. The multidisciplinary studio offers luxury interior design, architecture and project management services across residential, commercial, retail and hospitality disciplines.
Our recent project in the heart of Mayfair, London, 60 Curzon, embodies Elicyon’s design philosophy. It transforms an expansive apartment within an Art Deco building into a serene, sophisticated sanctuary by combining contemporary elements with heritage details. Bespoke joinery, custom lighting, and a curated palette of organic tones create an elegant yet functional home that integrates elegance and luxurious living at its core.
As a studio, Elicyon embraces innovation and new technologies, from 3D modelling to harnessing AI tools, without compromising the human touch that defines our work. Regular research, attending global design fairs, and collaborating with forward-thinking artisans help us stay ahead of industry trends.
We foresee a continued emphasis on sustainability, wellness-driven design, and technology integration. Spaces will increasingly focus on multifunctionality, biophilic elements, and timeless aesthetics that transcend fleeting trends.
Sustainability is always a consideration of every major project. From eco-friendly materials and the minimisation of waste, to partnering with suppliers and craftspeople that share our commitment to responsible practices. For example, in Regent’s Crescent, we worked with leading British manufacturer, Bill Cyendert, whose ethical practices on site meant that waste minimal. We also worked hard to preserve existing elements, such as hardwood floors and door hardware where possible, while introducing sustainable finishes and materials throughout.
Elicyon stands out for its ability to marry architectural integrity with luxurious, bespoke interiors. Our client-first approach, dedication to innovation – whether its technology or materials, and craftsmanship distinguish us as leaders in the field.
Regent’s Crescent, London, is a standout project. By seamlessly blending contemporary functionality with the historic grandeur of the Grade II listed building, we created a home that feels elegant, timeless, and sustainable. The project showcases our ability as a studio to respect heritage while introducing modernity.
The primary challenge was balancing the preservation of the building’s listed features with the client’s desire for a contemporary space. By carefully curating materials and reconfiguring spaces with thoughtful interventions, we delivered a solution that honours both the past and the present.
Our partnerships with like-minded artisans and suppliers are central to our success. From bespoke joinery to handcrafted furniture, these collaborations allow us to deliver exceptional quality and innovation in every project.
About Elicyon
Founded in 2014 by Charu Gandhi, Elicyon is a RIBA-registered multidisciplinary studio offering luxury interior design, architecture and project management services across residential, commercial, retail and hospitality disciplines. Our 35-strong team are proud to have completed multi-award-winning projects both in the UK and worldwide. The combined skills of the Elicyon team, and the studio’s extensive international network of highly skilled consultants, artisans and craftspeople, allows clients to experience a world-class and consummate design process. With a rigorous approach to design detail across the disciplines, and a deep understanding of the project stages, Elicyon are perfectly placed to manage projects from conception to completion. The team’s masterful studio professionals are primed to create flawless interiors with creative integrity, no matter the complexity or scope of the brief.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Amy Stoddart Studio.
Amy Stoddart Studio was commissioned to design this fun, vibrant family home in SW London. The clients trusted them with the ground floor re-work and internal re-fresh on the second floor. The studio took a classic/contemporary approach to the Kitchen, Living, Dining Area; paired with a modern arched crittall internal door, a punchy use of fabric and natural materials weaved throughout the rooms.
Category: Residential Budget Up To £50,000
Design Practice: Amy Stoddart Studio
Project Title: Kingscliffe House
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
Elaine, our client, has a discerning eye for design, appreciating an eclectic mix of new and vintage pieces. She values key statement items over a cluttered aesthetic. Her vision was to preserve the original features of the property while ensuring that the new extension harmoniously blended with the existing structure.
The design was inspired by a fusion of classic and contemporary styles, reflecting Elaine's appreciation for both new and vintage elements. We aimed to create a vibrant and fun atmosphere that resonated with the lively spirit of the family. Incorporating natural materials and maintaining architectural integrity were central to our approach.
One of the challenges was ensuring that the new extension seamlessly integrated with the original structure, both aesthetically and functionally. Additionally, working within budget constraints required creative solutions to achieve the desired high-end look without compromising on quality.
Seeing Elaine's positive reaction and knowing we had created a home that truly reflected her taste and lifestyle was incredibly rewarding.
We entered the SBID Awards to showcase our commitment to design excellence and to gain recognition within the industry. The awards provide a platform to highlight innovative projects and connect with a broader audience, which is invaluable for our studio's growth.
The recognition has enhanced our credibility and motivated us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in our future projects.
Questions answered by Amy Stoddart, Creative Director at Amy Stoddart Studio.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a mesmerising restaurant design by Bishop Design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Quadrant Design. They are an award winning boutique agency providing interior, environmental and digital design services for brands and individuals.
For us, it is all about utilising and placing the right skill sets for the right piece of work. We recognise skills and expertise so often we will work collaboratively throughout the company, bringing in team members for key areas of a project where best suited. We do a lot of workshopping which always starts with pen and paper, scribbling out and drafting our thoughts and visions between us. We also love to collaborate with other boutique agencies and suppliers where we value their expertise for a specific part of a project to make it the best it can be.
Between us, we are forever travelling the country and globe seeking the latest openings and drops from brands, however for us, it isn't just about physical spaces to visit, it's keeping an eye on online trends, fashion, new brands, new exhibitions & movements which inspire our creative vision. Keeping up to date with these trends help us stay on top of the ever changing dynamics of how people shop, eat, play & work. Being based in Soho also allows us to be inspired daily, just walking out our front door on Berwick Street we are forever discovering new pop ups, immersive experiences and soaking up the undeniable energy of Soho.
We also have a monthly whole company workshop where we showcase our latest work, as projects are delivered so quickly it's an opportunity to celebrate the work achieved by the team and what we learnt from that project.
We are forever educating ourselves with the latest materials and methods which enhance the sustainability of a design. As a company, we have an in-house FF&E designer who focuses purely on materials and organises monthly CPD’s for the company to have access to the latest materials, products and suppliers. We also attend trade shows and explore what other brands have done in their physical spaces, exploring and discovering how materials and processes have been used in different ways.
As cost and timescales can often be a challenge when specifying sustainable materials, we always try to approach materiality as early as possible in a project timeline to ensure that we can achieve the desired effect.
It really is all about having a great brief. Our style must be in sync with brands we are designing for so our talent is in pivoting and adapting our style between clients to ensure it is authentic to the brand. Our approach always starts however, with a deep dive research period where we really get to know the brand. This may involve researching the history or a brand or may be working in their spaces, speaking to the team and the customers to really understand the essence of the brand.
Eton in New York is one of our most iconic - located down the world famous Madison Avenue and the first flagship in the USA for Swedish menswear brand Eton. We started working with ETON Shirts in March 2023 to create their global design concept for both Shop in Shop concession spaces as well as flagship stores worldwide.
We worked with Adidas in 2019 to complete this 5 storey Flagship store on Oxford Street, London. Adidas LDN followed on from New York and Paris, as the third new global flagship store. Initially we were brought on board to assist the main contractors, however as the project progressed we quickly assumed the role of Lead Technical Architect to deliver the project, alongside the Concept Design team in both the UK and Germany.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Just as we work seamlessly within our own team, we take the same approach with architects, engineers, and other consultants. With our deep experience in the process, we understand how to contribute effectively at every stage, ensuring proposals are developed on time and in line with a mutually agreed programme.
It’s always a team effort—the collective input of every consultant shapes the final outcome. The smoother and more enjoyable the process, the better the finished product. I always stress to clients when assembling a team that delivering their vision should be an enjoyable experience. But that only happens when you have the right, solutions-focused people involved. Anyone who isn’t on that same page makes the process far harder than it needs to be.
Everything we do relies on collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, and brands, it’s integral to the process. While we select partners on a project-by-project basis to ensure the best fit, we’ve built an extensive ‘black book’ of trusted contacts over the years. This network allows us to bring in the right expertise, materials, and innovation to deliver the best results for each client. Rather than rigid partnerships, we value flexibility and the ability to curate the right team for every unique brief.
About Quadrant Design
Quadrant Design is an award winning boutique agency providing interior, environmental and digital design services for brands and individuals. A group of 25+ gifted and big-hearted people who think, create, and grow together. Every member of the team plays a vital role, each project builds on the last, and our strength comes from the way we collaborate, adapt and push each other to do our best work. We’re proud not to have a house style, we answer the brief, challenge perspectives, and expand our clients' minds from that foundation. We design spaces that don’t just look good but work hard, because great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about product, experience, flow, and, ultimately, making the tills ring.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a mesmerising restaurant design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.
Sereia, meaning 'Mermaid' in Portuguese, made it's debut on February 29th, 2024, in Miami's Coconut Grove. Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and Sault Hospitality birthed this culinary gem, vowing excellence. Under Bishop Design's direction, the restaurant dazzles with bespoke interiors. Picture gracefully curved furniture and an ocean-inspired palette—blues, greens, and sandy hues merging seamlessly. The ambiance is mesmerising, both unique and welcoming, mirroring the culinary delights it serves. Among its charms, Sereia offers an intimate private room, accommodating up to twelve guests, ensuring every dining experience is as extraordinary as the Iberian Peninsula, from which it draws its inspiration.
Category: Restaurant Design
Design Practice: Bishop Design
Project Title: Sereia
Project Location: Miami, United States
Design Practice Location: Miami, United States
The client envisioned a sophisticated yet approachable dining destination that would celebrate the ocean and Iberian coastal culture, mirroring the culinary vision of two-Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. They wanted a space that would feel elegant yet inviting, with a natural flow between intimate indoor seating and a sun-dappled outdoor terrace. The goal was to craft an immersive environment that complements the refined simplicity of the menu while embracing the charm and warmth of Coconut Grove’s evolving dining scene.
The design of Sereia is a subtle love letter to the sea, capturing the movement, textures, and colours of the ocean without being overtly thematic. Inspired by the Iberian coastline, we integrated a soothing Atlantic palette of rich blues and greens, complemented by natural woods, curved furniture, and textured elements that create a sense of depth and warmth. Soft, ambient lighting beneath banquettes and the wave-like bar adds an ethereal, floating effect, reinforcing the fluidity of the design. The cobbled flooring, reminiscent of the charming streets of Portugal, brings an al fresco dining essence indoors, seamlessly connecting the space with its coastal inspiration.
One of the challenges was achieving a balance between intricacy and simplicity—creating a space that felt refined and luxurious while maintaining an inviting and effortless ambiance. Ensuring that the organic curves, textural contrasts, and layered lighting worked harmoniously required careful consideration and collaboration with craftsmen and contractors. Additionally, integrating the omakase-style crudo bar within the restaurant’s flow without disrupting the intimacy of the main dining space was another design challenge that we successfully navigated.
Seeing the vision come to life and witnessing the seamless interplay between the culinary artistry and the design was incredibly rewarding. The moment guests step into Sereia, they are enveloped in an ambiance that feels both transportive and welcoming. The integration of natural materials, soft lighting, and carefully curated details creates a space that doesn’t just serve as a backdrop but enhances the overall dining experience. The floating effect of the bar, in particular, stands out as a beautifully executed design element that elevates the space.
Bishop Design has always been dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining the hospitality experience through design. The SBID Awards are an incredible platform that celebrates excellence and innovation in the industry, and we wanted to showcase how Sereia embodies these principles. Entering the awards allowed us to share our creative approach with the global design community and recognize the incredible collaboration that made this project possible.
Being an SBID Award Finalist is an honour that validates our commitment to design excellence and storytelling through space. It highlights the dedication of our team and the passion we bring to each project. This recognition has not only strengthened our industry presence but has also reinforced our mission to create inspiring, immersive spaces that leave a lasting impact.
Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxury rental building design by CHIL Interior Design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Diane Berry Kitchens. They create kitchen designs where style meets function and culinary aspirations come to life.
We are always researching online, we visit trade shows in Milan and Germany, we visit all our suppliers in Germany and research all the time, we watch the SBID awards entries and spend time looking and learning in cities and towns as we all travel. I've seen amazing ideas on cruise ships and hotels, Vegas was an eye opener and it carries on like that. I find myself watching TV and studying the sets too. If you love design, you never stop seeing ideas and thinking where and when can I use that. My team and I weekly share images we find and challenge each other to find a client that will love it.
I think wellbeing is key, rather than a style or colour trend. Covid made us all realise how important our homes are and being locked in them for months on end made us really focus on the bits we hated and loved. Decluttering and organisation is a key part of a calm home and then easy to clean and maintain too. Pay a little more and make it last is a motto I have lived by, this in return is sustainable. Avoid buy cheap buy twice mentality and this will be such a great thing for us to do for our world.
Technology had a huge impact on how we present out work but we are still a very touchy feely company as we love our stunning award winning studio as people do buy what they see. Long may this continue as meeting people in the studio helps us read them and their needs, keeping us presenting what is truly best for them.
Make sure you truly care about people, this job is 25% design and 75% business. So many people talk about the fun part of the materials and textures and rarely talk about the detail and work that goes into the detail. I know so much about plumbing, electrics, lighting, ventilation, damp courses, pad stones etc. I know this is design but the part people think about is putting that paper with that paint, a nice natural wood floor and a cute handle. Honestly this part is so small once the design bit is done it needs sourcing and costing accurately! So be ready for maths and lonely computer work, late nights and weekends too. If a builder needs electrical drawings on Monday it won’t wait! And this goes on all the time.
Opening our flagship studio. We bought the derelict building when it was full of asbestos and pigeons and now we have an iconic building presenting seven huge room sets with all appliances working. We are able to host cookery events for all our brands and have a happy environment for our team to work in.
We love working with architects, builders and designers, they love our studio. We also work closely with lots of interior specialist like fireplaces designers, blinds and curtain specialist etc. We know what we are good at and respect others are better at their area of expertise than us, so we have lots of people we work closely with especially lighting design as this is a constantly moving technology.
We work with two kitchen furniture brands: Eggersmann and Rempp, then appliance brands: Miele, Siemens, Neff, Bora and Fisher and Paykel, Quooker for their amazing taps and too many to mention worktop brands. We love Arte wall coverings and have a list of lighting and flooring brands. Our trade is very much about brand loyalty as we need to know what we sell inside and out and be able to guide our clients to what meets their needs on technology and function as well as budgeting.
About Diane Berry Kitchens
Diane started her career in all things interior design in 1980 learning all aspects of buildings and construction first, moving straight into spatial design focusing on Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and fireplaces. Taking the step in 2002 to open her own studio which has gone from strength to strength now employing a team of fourteen and installing several million pounds of Kitchens a year.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxury rental building design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.
CHIL Interior Design was tasked with crafting REN, in Seattle's South Lake Union. Inspired by exploration and the fusion of humanity with technology, REN offers an immersive experience through bespoke art and design. Custom artwork and installations adorn the public areas, catering to the vibrant tech industry professionals seeking originality. Amenities include a fully functional lobby bar, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and interconnected top-floor lounges boasting panoramic city views. Designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents, REN offers flexible workspaces and immersive art galleries, creating a dynamic and stimulating living environment.
Category: Show Flats & Developments
Design Practice: CHIL Interior Design
Project Title: REN
Project Location: Seattle, United States
Design Practice Location: Vancouver, Canada
REN was our chance to make a bold statement in the US luxury rental market, specifically for the creative minds in Seattle’s tech scene. The brief was all about creating spaces that felt alive, with art and tech merging to spark a sense of exploration. We wanted tenants to feel inspired as soon as they walked through the door.
Inspired by the concept of exploration and merging humanity with technology, we wanted every corner to feel like it had a story to tell, where humanity and technology collide in unexpected ways creating a residential space that feels like a journey.
Building REN during the pandemic was a wild ride as everything had to adapt as we went. With remote work becoming the new norm, we had to rethink how the space would support hybrid professionals. Flexible co-working areas, private pods, and meeting rooms that feel as functional as they do inspiring. Plus, immersive art galleries and a lobby bar that’s more than just a spot to grab a drink. REN is a place to work, socialise, and unwind, all in one, blurring the lines between home, work, and play.
Our biggest highlight was watching the vision of exploration come to life through art. From hanging wood sculptures to glowing astronauts and graffiti-inspired murals, every piece was designed to blur the line between humanity and technology. Walking through the finished space was a surreal moment for our team.
We entered the SBID Awards because it’s a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in design. We invest in awards that hold prestige and celebrates work that pushes creative boundaries and sets new standards in the industry.
Being an SBID Award Finalist feels like a huge win for our whole team. It’s a validation of all the hard work, creativity, and passion we put into every project. It’s not just about the recognition, but a reminder that we’re on the right track to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces that inspire.
Questions answered by Carolyn Kaczmarek, Director of Residential Design at CHIL Interior Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a cosy, woodland home design by The Vawdrey House, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Rigby & Rigby. With 6 independent divisions, their expertise extends across Development Management, Architecture and Interior Design, as well as delivery through their Delivery and Construction division.
Wellness and technology have already made a significant impact and will continue to evolve, shaping how we design and experience spaces.
We have been awarded the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark in recognition of our ESG criteria, embedding sustainable practices into our work across the company, projects, and people.
Our design style is deeply influenced by our architectural pedigree, with an emphasis on clean lines, minimalism, and meticulous attention to detail. This results in refined, sophisticated spaces with a carefully curated balance of focal points.
Technology and innovation play a key role in enhancing both the design process and the final outcome of our projects. We integrate advanced digital tools, such as BIM and realtime rendering, to improve efficiency and visualisation. Smart home technology, sustainable materials, and emerging construction techniques allow us to create spaces that are not only aesthetically refined but also intelligent and future-proof.
Yes, at Rigby & Rigby, we are deeply committed to mentoring and education within the interior design and architecture industry. Each year, we offer work experience placements for school students considering a career in Interior Design and Architecture, allowing them to spend one to two weeks with us to observe our design process and the collaboration between all teams in our full turnkey offering. Additionally, we actively provide paid internship opportunities for young architects during summer breaks and longer placements as part of their university placement year. Many of our senior team members also mentor and tutor at various universities, ensuring we give back to the industry and help nurture the next generation of designers and architects.
At Rigby & Rigby, collaboration is at the heart of our approach. Our in-house Architecture, Interior Design, Commercial, and Construction teams work seamlessly together as part of our full turnkey solution, ensuring a cohesive and efficient design and delivery process. Beyond our internal teams, we also collaborate successfully with external architects, interior designers, construction teams, engineers, specialist consultants, and suppliers. This ability to work across multiple disciplines, both in the UK and internationally, demonstrates our expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional projects through strong professional collaboration.
Yes, Rigby & Rigby has established strong partnerships with some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Boffi, Minotti, Poliform, Rimadesio, and other industry leaders in luxury interiors. These collaborations allow us to source the finest materials, bespoke furnishings, and innovative design solutions tailored to each client’s vision.
About Rigby & Rigby
Rigby & Rigby is a multidisciplinary design and delivery studio with full-service capabilities. With 6 independent divisions, our expertise extends across Development Management, Architecture and Interior Design, as well as delivery through our Delivery and Construction division. The core offering of fully accredited and award-winning design and delivery services are complemented by an aftercare and concierge service – Private Client Services, as well as our recently launched Creative Division - a creative, digital and marketing division offering clients a strategically driven, fully integrated marketing solution, covering fashion, branding and web development as well as 3Dimensional cinematography.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a cosy, woodland home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, The Vawdrey House.
The Vawdrey House was engaged to inject some soul and personality into a client’s country home. The refurbished house is a retreat in the true sense of the word. A life-enriching counterpoint to the client’s London home. As comfortable for the couple to cosy up in on a winters afternoon as it is for hosting hordes of extended family. Spaces are impeccably styled for relaxed, everyday living. The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting, with rich textures, clever design and exceptional craftsmanship.
Category: Residential House Under £1M
Design Practice: The Vawdrey House
Project Title: Forest House
Project Location: New Forest, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
Nestled deep in the New Forest National Park, Forest House was originally a mid-century bungalow, extended and reconfigured by a previous owner. But this is no country cottage. The generous scale of the interior spaces presented a particular challenge. The open plan kitchen and living space is an impressive 14mx9m, with a four-metre ceiling. It was cold, echoey and dwarfed any furniture the client had placed there. As the new owners, our client engaged us to inject some soul and personality.
Our response to the brief was to make minimal structural alterations, instead focussing on adding built-in joinery and injecting new texture, colour and finishes. Such a large-scale space necessitated bold, architectural-scale interventions.
We retained the existing double-sided wood burning stove in the centre of the room, wrapping it in a new, wider chimney breast clad in beautiful, glazed three-dimensional tiles. At the base we commissioned a polished concrete hearth, large enough to sit on, and reminiscent of a feature within the client’s mid-century childhood home. This created an architectural separation between the living area and kitchen / dining area; open enough to allow the spaces to flow but closed enough to make the reorientated living area more intimate.
We added curtains across the expansive glazing, not only to make the space cosy but also to reduce the echo in the room.
Across the rear wall that stretches from the kitchen to the living area we created a 14 metre-long joinery installation, designed unify the series of spaces. This accommodates aspects of the kitchen, a hidden door to the boot room, a cocktail bar, tableware storage and a library. A sliding ladder is a fun, but also very practical addition.
Within this wall is a new opening leading to a snug room with a huge sliding oak door, enabling this room to become a much cosier space with its Obsidian Green walls, thick velvet curtains and a pallet of accent colours inspired a much-loved oil painting.
We enriched what was previously a long, dark corridor by over-cladding one side in black oak concealing doors leading to ancillary rooms. Opposite we added new mouldings, a warm paint scheme and created focal points for yet more of the client’s art collection.
Behind one of the hidden doors lies the dramatic powder room, with black terrazzo floor and statement terracotta-coloured concrete basin.
From the outset, it was clear that our biggest challenge to overcome would be the unusually large scale of the space.
With high, four-metre ceilings and an open plan kitchen and living space measuring 14m x 9m, our biggest hurdle was finding a way to bring character, soul and personality into a space that felt cold and echoey.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the project was working with such an openminded client and a relatively free brief. The end result is a true collaboration of such passionate and highly specialist craftspeople. Matched as it was by the passion of the client for the design, materials and finishes, the entire project felt truly meaningful and full of purpose.
More specifically, the enormous, double-sided fireplace with lustrous tiles and bespoke polished concrete hearth was a real highlight in terms of the design of the finished project.
The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting but with personality reflective of our truly fabulous and trusting clients.
This was our first time entering the SBID awards. We decided to enter ourselves and this project as we were excited by the programme’s international outlook, and the variety of categories for the nominations.
Bring an Award Finalist has meant an enormous amount to us. After all the hard work, it is always nice to take a moment to properly celebrate a project, especially with so many brilliant industry friends and contemporaries. The recognition from the SBID is the cherry on top of what has been a really fantastic project/cake!
Questions answered by Ian Chapman, Director of The Vawdrey House.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a Scandi inspired kitchen design by Ledbury Studio, click here to read it.
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